Do I have a right to see a dermatologist?

[jenand8285]

I have suffered from acne for 6 years now and rarely have been prescribed an effective treatment from my GP. The only two products that worked got discontinued. I am always told it common at my age and that treatment of acne is all trial and error. I am now 24 years old and dont want to keep carry on trial & error at 7 pound odd for no results!! My doctor (or should i say all the locums) have never suggested refering me to a dermatologist n the NHS and i was wondering if only my GP could refer me if he felt nessecary or could i state that i wish to see one and they perhaps have to accomodate me? I know the NHS is stretched but i now have really bad scars with more to come. I wouldnt be so eager but last week the doc prescribed me a cream and it sent my face bright red for days!!! That can not be good

[ameyw]

You definately have a right to be referred. I have suffered with eczema for many years and a dermatologist can help you as they have a much greater knowledge of skin conditions than your GP. I would ask to be referred, if they are not very forthcoming, it often helps if you explain how it is affecting you emotionally, I really struggled with my eczema when it was on my face, I found I got depressed, they were quite quick to refer me then! I have never seen one in sheffield as I lived in hertfordshire when I was referred, but I know a nurse who worked in dermatology at the hallamshire, and she told me the waiting lists were not too high.

 

Keep pushing them as it is your right to have access to proper treatment.

 

Good luck x

[LitleMermaid]

My goodness I really feel for you-I have horrendous skin that was only settled down by the combined pill. They've now decided I can't have it any mroe and have to be on the mini pill-and ahve prescribed lotions and things, like you say, at seven pounds a time, which don't actually work! I'm at the end of my tether now, I'm itching like crazy, all over my back and shoulders, even downt o the soles of my feet sometimes. The skin on my face looks worse then it has for years, but it's not just that-it HURTS. I understand exactly where you are coming from, and it's the most frustrating thing ever. Good luck trying to get somewhere, I am keeping trying but it's so frustrating! Sorry I can't be of more help, I just wanted you to know you weren't alone!

[medusa]

Part of the problem here is the cost of prescriptions and that will be the same whether you're being treated by a dermatologist or a GP. My suggestion is to get a prescription prepayment card (which will save you money if you're likely to get more than 1 item a month) so that you can 'trial and error' as many times as it takes to get the treatment right.

 

Another part of the issue is that all drugs which work also have side effects and it's not possible to predict which patients will get a side effect.

 

It's also possible that the creams which give you side effects are also the creams which will give you the best possible effects. Retinol and tretinoin/isotretinoin based creams are some of the most effective creams at reducing scarring and active acne, but they all have red skin and itchy skin as a side effect.

 

If you have acne and you want to reduce scarring, is temporary red skin too much of a problem if you can also use make up to cover that up whilst the treatment is ongoing? You're the only one who can choose whether that is an acceptable side effect if the positive effects really do what you want them to do.

[Glennis]

You have the right to see a specialist, as the condition is affecting your quality of life and self esteem etc. Ask your GP to refer you to a dermatologist, if they don't, then see another GP ...and keep asking until you do get referred. There shouldn't be a problem with this.

[irenewilde]

You have the right to see a specialist, as the condition is affecting your quality of life and self esteem etc. Ask your GP to refer you to a dermatologist, if they don't, then see another GP ...and keep asking until you do get referred. There shouldn't be a problem with this.

 

Presumably you only have a "right" if your GP believes the specialist can actually help you. Otherwise it's a waste of everyone's time and NHS resources.

[Aries22]

Why not check it out on the web, they should tell you what to use, Correct me if l am wrong Medusa, but Coal Tar soap/shampoo's are very good for skin conditions.

[Daven]

Why not check it out on the web, they should tell you what to use, Correct me if l am wrong Medusa, but Coal Tar soap/shampoo's are very good for skin conditions.

 

For psoriasis but not for acne, I think.

[feargal]

There are several previous threads on here which you might find interesting. You certainly can ask to be referred to a dermatologist - I would ask them to do it sooner rather than later, as they have a long waiting list I think.

 

In the meantime, ask your GP if he could prescribe Roaccutane gel. I got the tablets from the dermatologist (horrible side effects, but worth the effort in the long-term). My GP now gives me roaccutane gel for the odd bad spell, but they are few and far between.

 

Oh, and coal tar made my skin much worse, so I'd avoid that like the plague.

[Daven]

My son had very bad acne, our GP referred him to a Consultant Dermatologist and he was prescribed Roaccutane. The course lasted for about 7 months and he had to have 2 weekly check ups at the hospital. There are MANY side effects but fortunately my son only had the sore lips and mucous membranes. His acne cleared up but returned a few months later and he needed yet another course for a further 8 months. His skin has been clear ever since except for the occasional breakout.

Roaccutane can only be prescribed by a hospital-based Consultant Dermatologist. It's VERY expensive and will only be prescribed for the worst of cases.